Home Challenge and “What the Word” for Week #2

For September 17th to 24th, 2017

Pick one of the following Challenges and, after doing it, write about your experience and bring it to class on Sunday, the 24th.

Inspired Music: Come to class on the 24th with a song or image that highlights some artists request for God.

Start a new habit: Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted and turn off all electronics.
Find a comfortable position and sit for five minutes, then gradually work up to 10 minutes each day. Focus on the words “Jesus, speak to me” over and over

Write a sincere message of encouragement: Write to somebody you know who is suffering in some way (eg, sick, sad, worried or upset). Pray three Hails Mary’s asking Our Holy Mother’s to give this person Faith, Hope and Love.

What the Word

Peace

“Peace is the tranquility of order”
– St. Augustine 351 – 430 A.D.
Augustine’s definition of peace is derived from the great Greek philosophers (Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates). Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates would bust out laughing big-time at the idea that the universe is random. With the revelation of God that we have, without the faith that we have, with only their reason, they could see that there was order in the world and that something had to be the cause. “The proper of the wise is to order” Aristotle 384 – 322 B.C.

The interesting thing about Aristotle’s quote is that you guys, in Confirmation, will have the Gifts of the Holy Spirit perfected in you and, of the seven gifts, the one to strive for is wisdom. So, even 300 years Before Christ, man, through reason alone, could see the importance of wisdom.

Love

Love has been redefined by this world to mean many things it is not. It is not sex, it is not a feeling. True love is an act of your will. It is your will, choosing to God’s will, to do what is good for another person. That good means patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, etc. Each of those represents a sacrifice of self to act for the good of the other person.

Happiness

What does it take to be “supremely happy“? Like the book says, “we can only be happy if we fulfill the purpose for which we have been created”. That means: